Washing Machine Stains That Appear On Clothes After Wash Them

A SR101 reader asked me a question about washing machine stains, the kind where you don't have a stain on your clothes before you wash something, but then you take it out of the machine and a stain has now appeared.

SR101 Reader asks:

I often have stains on my clothes that weren't there before I put them in the washer. Could this be from fabric softner?

Taylor says:

Thanks for your question. I just hate stains from the washing machine itself, since it just means more work for you when all you want to do is get your laundry done.

You've actually identified one of the biggest culprits which causes stains to appear on your clothes after they get into the wash -- fabric softener.

That is because most softeners are oil based, and if too much is used, or added too soon or late into the cycle, or hits your clothes without being diluted enough, it will cause oily spots on your clothes. Typically, these spots are about the size of a dime and look almost milky or bluish, almost with an oily sheen to them.

However, you've not shared with me what your particular stain looks like, and that is important in being able to identify what it is.

Another common type of stain you can experience on clothing that comes from the washing process is rust stains. These can come either from rust which is developing in your washing machine itself, or from the water you are using to wash your clothes, if it has high mineral content. This can be worsened with the use of chlorine bleach, because bleach will set the stains.

Those are the two most common stains from a washing machine that I can think of, that you can get on your clothes. If you've got any more please share them in the comments.

I've answered this question as part of my stain removal help section on my website. You can ask your own questions, or read others I've already answered too.

I'm Getting Brownish Blotches On Clothes After Washing

Lisa asks:

We occasionally get brown blotches (faded looking) on our whites after washing...any ideas?

Taylor's answer:

Don't you just hate it when you get a stain causing by your washing machine?

There can be lots of reasons for these spots, which are specific to your machine.

Above, in a previous question, I suggested, based on the description of the spots, that it was a fabric softener stain. These stains are kind of blue and greasy looking in color.

These stains, on the other hand, don't sound like that at all. The most common reasons for these brownish types of stains are mechanical oil or rust stains.

I've answered a question below about rust stains. I am thinking your stains may be mechanical oil based, although rust is also a possibility.

For example, if you've got a mechanical problem with your washing machine (even if you don't know about it yet) it can leak grease or oil, or other fluids, into the machine which can cause staining. For example, in a similar page about dryer stains a reader wrote in to share that her stains were coming from the washing machine, not her dryer, since there was a transmission seal leaking. A similar event may be occurring in your washer.

The way to know for sure is to have a repair person come out and look over your machine to see if they can figure out the mechanical problem.

Now, to get rid of the stains, it honestly depends what they are. I've given suggestions for removing the stains below if they are rust related. If they're grease related I suggest trying a grease stain remover such as Lestoil. In addition, you can see what other readers have suggested for grease stains here.

B says:

I know it's the washing machine because I've checked before putting the clothes in the dryer. On the lighter fabrics, it almost looks like it's been burned or smeared with mud and sometimes has the imprint of the surface of the washing machine (a bunch of little holes).

I tried cleaning the inside of the washing machine, even sticking rolled up paper towels into the little holes, but there was no residue.

I tried just rinsing the stains to see if anything happened, but since I have no idea what's staining my clothes, I don't know how to fix it.

It doesn't seem to happen with every load. I'd been adding vinegar to my loads to help remove stains and when I saw these new stains, I stopped, but they're still showing up. Help!

I have so much laundry to do and I can't afford to ruin my favorite clothes or my husband's work clothes.

Taylor says:

B, I am sorry you are having trouble with stains from your washing machine.

It is very frustrating to put clothes in there, to get them clean, just for them to get stained during the washing process.

I cannot be sure of the problem, but it sounds like it is rust stains, especially based on your description of the imprint of the washing machine drum being involved.

Unfortunately, if a part of your machine begins to rust, some of the rust comes loose during the wash cycle, at least some of the time, and then can deposit on your clothes during the cycle. This is most likely to happen if you let your clothes sit in there for a while after the machine finishes, but can also happen during the washing process itself.

One way to check to see if these are rust stains is to try to remove them while they are fresh, and before you put the clothes in the dryer. Something mildly acidic, like lemon juice or vinegar, when dribbled onto the fresh stain, will typically lighten or remove it. You can also use a commercial rust stain remover to remove these stains, as long as what you choose is safe for clothing (and for the color clothing you have the stain on).

Typically, when you are getting stains from an appliance, such as your washing machine, it makes sense to clean it. However, typically when you clean your washing machine you may use chlorine bleach. In this instance, that would be a bad idea since chlorine bleach can cause rust stains to set.

Instead, you can try to clean your rusty machine with a rust stain remover designed for appliances. (Click here to read rust stain removers reviews provided by other readers of this site.) The one that first comes to my mind is Super Iron Out, although many products are available that could do the job.

If that does not remove the rust from your machine, and you continue to see these stains continuing, it is time to call a repair person. You may be able to identify and replace the rusting part. Unfortunately, if the problem is severe or the machine is very old it may cost more to repair than replace it.

Of course, I am not for certain it is rust, although this is really the most common reason for these mystery stains. If it isn't rust though, I really don't know what it is, unless it is grease from your machine. If it were this, however, I would expect a slightly different color than what you describe, but if it doesn't respond to the lemon juice, but instead is removed or lightened with dishwashing liquid, this may be the culprit.

I know this may not be what you wanted to hear B, but I do hope it helps you identify and solve your problem. I know how frustrating it can be to get behind on your laundry because of issues like this.

Does any other reader have any other suggestions for B about this problem, or how to fix it? In addition, have you suffered from similar stains in your washing machine? If so, did you identify what caused them, and how did you fix the problem? Please tell me in the comments.

Your washer transmission is leaking oil into the drum. Replace the spindle seal or better yet buy a new washer.

Another reader suggested that it was some type of gunk build up. She stated:

The brown mystery stain looks like what we get from our lovely-horrid- front loader. It's gunk that collects inside the washer because it does not dry completely. I clean my washer once a week because of this and still have the gunk build up. It's very difficult to remove from your clothes as well. Any help would be appreciated.

Unknown Stains Only On MIL's Clothing After Washing

by SR101 Reader

Here's a question from a reader that has me baffled, but I'm adding it in hopes that someone else may have some insight into it.

SR101 Reader's Question:

We have a Whirlpool Duet.

My mother-in-law lives with us. Fairly often when she has washed a load of her whites only, her clothes will have a beige colored stain often at a seam or the neckline or waist band. These seem to be impossible to remove.

Could it be her makeup being dissolved in the wash water and staining her clothes? Again, it never occurs on our whites. My mother in law is elderly and does use make up foundations etc.

It's driving her crazy and as a result, me too. Thanks.

Taylor says:

Hmmm, this laundry and stain removal question has me stumped!

It is now driving me crazy too, because it is only happening with your mother in law's clothing, not yours too, which suggests it is something to do just with your mother in law, and not the machine itself.

I am wondering, based on the location of the stains as areas where we perspire a lot, if it has something to do with that, and a reaction between the heat and/or other detergents and some medication she may be taking? I have heard about medications changing the ingredients excreted in a person's sweat, which may effect the ability to remove the stain.

Here's my suggestions for removing sweat stains, but this would most likely not be helpful for something related to her medication.

Of course, that is a completely wild guess, so I'd love to hear from even more readers who may have an idea about this unknown stain from the washing machine!

Taylor says:

Thanks for your question Cathy. It's a common misconception that bleach stains come only from using chlorine bleach. Although that is a very common culprit these can happen even from non-chlorine and color safe bleaches, or detergents that contain such products.

However, it takes a lot for color safe products to cause bleach marks. Typically in those instances it is caused by improper application of the product, most often adding the product in an improper way such as full strength directly onto the fabric.

Finally, don't forget about the issue of acne products causing this problem. The benzoyl peroxide in these products is often the cause of such mystery bleach stains if the items stained have been worn or used in the bathroom when applying these products.

Unknown Cause Of Stains Out Of Washing Machine

Elissa has a question about an all too common problem, unfortunately, stains that appear on clothes after you wash them.

Elissa says:

For several months I have experienced stains on my clothing as I take it out of the washing machine.

Some of the stains on my cotton t-shirts come out blueish colored.

On other items the stain is pinkish.

My washer is 12 years old and my husband pulled the agitator which seems to have gunk inside.

I have also had some orange colored stains on my white cottons.

Do I need a new washer?

Taylor says:

Elissa, thanks for your question, and sorry for your frustration with this problem.

In regard to the bluish stains, as I explain above these may be fabric softener stains, which often look blue in color, and rather greasy looking.

It sounds like the pinkish and orangish stains may be from a type of mold or yucky bacterial film that can start growing in your washing machine, although I cannot be sure that is the problem.

If your washing machine is otherwise functioning properly, I would first try cleaning it thoroughly to see if this fixes the problem. For example, clean all the junk out of the agitator that you mentioned, and follow the instructions in my article about washing machine cleaning.

Could HE Washing Detergent Be Causing These Spots Because Of Silicone Oil?

by Ag925

Taylor's note: I got this detailed explanation of what Ag925 thinks is causing many of these stains and spots on clothing. I am not personally saying this is correct, but I would love to hear from others with your thoughts on this possibility of what may be happening in your machine to cause this problem.

Ag925 says:

I have seen these spots on anything made of cotton (not just t-shirts) but have found they are most obvious on my cotton t-shirts.

The spots occur when the detergent comes in direct contact with your cotton clothes before it has completely dissolved in the wash water in the washing machine. Cotton loves to soak up this silicone oil...

What will help: If you have an older washing machine that is not high efficiency, use a laundry soap that is not made for HE machines (I found cold water versions are best).

OR you can use as little HE soap as possible and add it to the washing machine first along with a few inches of the warmest water for what you are washing before you add the clothes.

If all else fails, repeat the wash cycle with no detergent added before drying the clothes.

If you have an HE machine, you don't have control over when the detergent is added: use as little detergent as possible with the warmest water possible.

If the spots are still occurring, try changing detergents or check your washing machines instructions for using detergent not made for an HE machine (most do).

You can also repeat the wash cycle without any detergent.

Taylor says:

Thanks for this explanation!

Like I said in my introduction, I have no idea if this is the cause of spots for everyone (most likely not, since many things can cause such mystery stains) but I would love to hear from others about this possibility, sharing if these suggestions helped any of you. I sure hope so!

Mystery Pinkish & Reddish Stains

SR101 Reader 1 says:

Hello. Can you help me please? On 2 separate occasions, months apart, 2 of my t shirts have came out of the washing machine with pinkish stains on them. The first was just a few small spots, but the 2nd one has one larger stain on it and I'm baffled to how or why this has happened.

SR101 Reader 2 says:

I have a new washer/dryer machines. This has suddenly started leaving pink spots and stains on my white clothes.

No coloured items are going in the wash and the machine has been checked by a repair company to see if any red or pink items are stuck in the drum and nothing has been found.

I am using washing powder and fabric conditioner but neither are pink in colour. Any ideas?

Rust May Be Possible Reason For My Washer Stains

by Susan

Susan shared her thoughts after reading some of the suggestions I had above, especially the possibility of the brown stains being caused by rust.

Susan says:

I haven't checked to see if I have solved my problem yet, but in trying to figure it out and looking inside my washer, I decided to wipe with a towel inside the rubber gasket at the opening of my front loader.

It turned out it was full of brown gunk!

We have a well and although we have a rust filter, it may be that.

I think running an empty cycle with Iron Out is a good idea, and I am going to do that.

Meanwhile, I cleaned inside that rubber gasket very thoroughly.

If you use the Iron Out, be sure to get it well rinsed before you put colored clothes in it, as it will leave bleach spots if you don't.

Taylor says:

Hope the Iron Out works for you Susan, since it can always be a big pain to try to identify and then cure these types of stains!

Related Pages You May Enjoy

There are affiliate links on this page, and if you purchase a product through them I receive a small commission. Purchasing through my links costs you nothing extra, but helps support the free information provided on this site and my family. To learn more please see my product review disclosure statement.

Comments for Rust May Be Possible Reason For My Washer Stains

I kept getting rust colored streaks on light colored clothes. I figured out it was because I was pouring chlorine bleach directly in the machine without any water in there first. Ruined 2 washers.

happens to me tooby: Melissa

Happens to me all the time! Dark oil spots on shirts that weren't there before washing.

what it could beby: Pam

It could be transmission oil from the washer.

Brown stainsby: Elizabeth

I was getting linear brown stains on clothes. I think the clothes were getting pushed into the (front loader) washer's gasket, along the door, and collecting whatever grime had collected there. Ew, right. I wiped the basket out as best I could, along with the lower glass on the door. Seemed to solve the problem.

new washerby: Anonymous

I have a new washer and this is still happening.

Still finding stains with new washerby: Busy mom

I recently purchased a new top load HE washer and dryer. I don't use liquid softener but I do use liquid HE detergent. I still find soap residue on my dark colored clothes and light brownish stains on my white clothes. It looks like Pepsi spilled on white T shirts. We have a water softener and everything else is new. I don't understand why I'm having the same issues that I had with my 10-year-old machines. Please help!!!

don't use fabric softener but . . .by: Anonymous

I don't use fabric softener that often and still get the washing machine stains.

Tiny holesby: Anonymous

I have been getting tiny holes in brand new clothes after washing. Any ideas what could be causing this? I do not do bras in these loads. And I always close zippers before washing things. They seem to appear the most on the fronts of t-shirts.

brown stains, but only on dark onesby: Sharleen

My washing machine isn't very old but it's leaving brown stains on my husbands clothes. Only on dark colours like black or blue. They are random, not under arms but can be anywhere else on clothes. This does not happen on any of my clothes. I don't use softener on his clothes. Can you help?

my advice regarding mystery stainsby: Grandma Faye

Bring your stained garments in to a repair center to see if they can tell you what might be causing them. It may save you a service call.

Also don't dry stained garments in the dryer. Heat sets a stain. Treat the stain again while it is still wet from the washer or dampen it before using stain removers. The damp fibers will more readily receive the treatment and be more apt to loosen from the fibers.

Stains on white clothing can often be removed with peroxide. It may have to sit there a while to do the job. Repeat as necessary.

Shampoo can be used to pretreat neckline rings from shirts since it's mostly caused from hair oil and perspiration that cause it.

I have gone back to using Fels-Naptha bar soap to pretreat clothing, too. It works extremely well to get out mud, grass, soil and sock stains from not wearing shoes in the house. It takes a little 'elbow grease', but not too much. Inexpensive and lasts a long time, too.

Material?by: Anonymous

Could it be that it happens to only certain type of materials? I wear mostly cotton. I have noticed that the stains only occurs to my cotton twill material bottoms, a couple of cotton shirts and one of my cotton dresses. Other laundries are not affected even in the same load.

I'm afraid to wash anythingby: miskittie67

Our clothes are coming out of the washer with dark oily stains on them and no clothes are safe. This is getting all over our clothes. We are afraid to wash anything that is not black clothes!

bearingsby: Anonymous

You may need new bearings.

I've been dealing with the same problem...by: Marie

This has been a mystery for me as well. It happens only on my kids white cotton t-shirts, and it is usually around the neck area. The stains are NOT there when I put the clothes in the washing machine. I use Tide, which is a good quality laundry soap. I also stopped using fabric softener for a while, but it still happened. Those stains do not come off. It had not happened to me in a while, but just happened this week. I get so frustrated when it happens as it just wrecks the clothes. I will certainly look into the 'dimethyl polysiloxane'. I use HE laundry soap as I have a front loader. I use the powder soap, and I can't remember if it ever happened years ago when I used liquid soap. I might switch back.

HE detergent possible cause of stainsby: Jenn

I have a new HE top loading machine and right away I saw that my cotton t-shirts were spotted after washing in the cold wash. Nobody else in the family had the problem, just my shirts. I thought it was the new jeans I bought and washed with the cold load.

I purchased new shirts and stopped washing jeans with the normal wash. Again, my new shirts were victimized by the washing machine! I have been baffled about this until I read this question regarding HE detergent. My problem is solved! I know this has been the culprit.

I will start washing on a warmer setting and mix the detergent with water before putting the clothing in. Now I have hope of keeping new shirts clean from those awful spots! Thank you for this post.

I get the weird spots on T shirts too - started making my own detergent to fix the problemby: Anonymous

I have been going nuts with these oily spots on my cotton T shirts. Especially the darker colors. Many of my shirts I had to toss out because they were ruined.

About 6 months ago a friend of mine mentioned that he makes his own laundry detergent to save money and avoid chemicals. I decided I had nothing to lose. Sure enough, that stopped the spotting.

I can't tell for sure, but I never had this issue using a standard top load washer. It was only after I switched to a front loader and HE detergent. I really think you are on to something with that oil stuff. Try home made detergent and see if that helps.

Stain after laundryby: Anonymous

After washing and drying a shirt (button down dress shirt) with no stains, it comes out covered in stains. The stain looks like a shirt would look if it was covered in grease and washed and the grease stain did not come out. I know it is not a grease stain because it was not stained when it went into the wash. It is all over the shirt. HELP!

Brown bloches on some clothes after washingby: Leo

After washing white and light colored clothes I noticed brown stains. They were very noticeable on the light colors, with no stains on the white "T" shirts. There were many pieces of clothes washed but stains only on "2" items.

Rust looking stains after washingby: Angie

I have recently put a load of washing on and pre soaked it in nappisan. Before washing there were a few normal dirt stains on the clothes but after I took them out my husbands work shirt and one of my shirts had brown/ rust looking stains all over them. Do you have any idea if these can be removed? Or what might have caused them? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping I won't have to throw out his work shirt.

dark line stains from front loaderby: Paula

My front load washing machine has made dark line stains on clothes. I'm not sure if it's from the rubber around the washer door, but I really need to get it out of my son's soccer team shirt. How can I do this?

marks from machineby: Ruth

I am getting grease like lines on my washing from my machine. I tried a machine cleaner, no difference. Also can't get marks off the clothes.

greasy stain after washby: Lawrence

I only use washing powder, nothing else in my washing, but my shirts always come out with a greasy stain on the sleeves and front. It ruins all my shirts.

I think it was my perfumeby: Sheila

I noticed only my t-shirts had oil looking stains on the front of them. No one else's! Turns out I think it's my perfume!

dark blue/black pen ink like stains after washingby: Alexis

I just did laundry and as I was switching it into the dryer I noticed on nearly brand new nike shirt and nike shorts and basic cotton tank top I had these stains. It could almost be described as a tie-dye like stain. I tried washing them again and the cheap cotton one came out worse than before. My mom suggested it was my detergent that did not rinse completely and just to run it again, but as I pointed out, that did not help.

I am desperate. I have a 2 year old Kenmore Elite, front loading washer. I have 3 kids in school uniform and I am ruining all of their white polo shirts! The shirts are coming out with grey splatters all over them and will not come out! I've tried everything! I've had a repairman come out only to tell me how clean my washer was (I've cleaned it repeatedly hoping to solve the problem). He said everything looks good and I could pay $375 to take the machine apart but he doesn't think he'll find anything. I don't know what to do! Please help!

water supply can cause grease stainsby: Anonymous

I have had the problem with grease stains when washing clothes. Turns out a neighbor in the area had a spill that they were trying to clean up and it actually leached into the water supply resulting in grease stains in the washed clothes.

Another time I had grease stains when washing clothes at a different house. When I contacted the public utility they stated that the stains where most likely caused by either the water softening system of the house or usage of the hot water heater system when doing laundry. This did not make sense since there was not a water softening system to the house and the hot water was not used when doing laundry (plus I never used fabric softener).

Within 4 hours of me calling the public utility a representative showed up and took a water sample, tested it on site and stated the water was fine. I did ask if when they were doing a major overhaul of the water system a couple of months ago if something leached into the water system. They said that that could not have happened since the system is under pressure. They said that the grease stains - which they were able to see and smell on something I had washed that day - were caused by the old galvanized pipe leading from the meter to the house and showed up in the washer because it is not constantly used. This type of problem never existed before I told them. They said this type of problem would come and go.

They just happened to have a bottle of stuff to put in the wash to remove rust stains and gave it to me. I had grease stains, not rust stains. Then they told me no one else in the whole area had reported this problem when I questioned them about it. A county of about one million people.

Rust (?) gold-ish blotchy stains on my whites...by: Anonymous

Rust (?) gold-ish blotchy stains on my whites and I'm running a bed and breakfast with white sheets, white towels!! Stains are occurring IN the washing machine. I do have well water. If the items have been dried am I out of luck? I am afraid to wash anything else.

can you help me solve the mystery of the small brown spots?by: Mandie

We have been having small brown spots on our clothes after I wash them. Can this be caused by me using the pods instead of other stuff? The spots are like I took a brown/grayish sharpie and just dotted it all over! I just cleaned my washing machine with vinegar and baking soda, haven't washed a load of clothes since doing that so not sure if it helped! But can you please try to help me solve this mystery.

Every time I wash red and orange clothing they come out of the washer with bluish stains splattered over them. I have ruined several shirts because of this. What is going on? I have tried to wash them with the Shout color guard thing but it doesn't work all the time. Help!

same stains we call them globsby: c_me_now_u_dont

We don't know where the globs come from. I only notice them when I'm folding the clothes and they are almost always on dark colored t shirts. I am able to remove the glob by treating with Shout and rewashing. Sometimes it takes a few washings. It is very frustrating and I wish I could figure out what is going on.

rust stains after washingby: Anonymous

My clothes are showing rust stains after being washed. I have tried cleaning the washing machine with cleaners designed for washing machines and it looks clean. We have well water. How do I get the stains out and who do I call to correct the problem (and find out what is causing it)?

New clothing stains after treating stains with Shout or Spray 'N Wash?by: Rose

This has been happening for years in spite of new washing machines and new detergents, but it does not happen consistently. It happens with dark 100% cotton clothing. It happens in all water temperatures, with liquid or powder detergent, and all washing cycles.

Here is the sequence. I treat stain or soiled area with Shout or Spray 'N Wash or Zout. I'd be happy to use any product available. I rub in product, let sit for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or a day, and machine wash in hot water. The stained clothing and sometimes other dark clothing in the load come out with a new grease-like stain somewhere even if the old stain is gone. Then, I have to wash the clothing two or more times in hot water and detergent only.

Please help! I prefer to buy not make the product.

gray/brown "lines" on washby: Anonymous

I'm so frustrated with my front loader and wish I had never bought the thing because every other wash has stains on it which requires another wash to remove them. I've heard that it might be from the gray rubber surrounding the drum but I don't know how to fix it.

If I could afford it I would buy another washer because this is horrible. I would also recommend to someone thinking of purchasing a front loader not to do it. It's not worth it, at least in my case it's NOT.

Stains caused by HE detergentby: Anonymous

We've now purchased two new Maytag washing machines that leave stains on cotton clothing due to the HE detergent. I have verified this with simple experiment in the sink. Have not yet found a solution but Oxiclean will remove the stains after the fact.

White stains on black clothesby: Lynel

It's white spots on my black clothes even when I don't use fabric softener.

detergent stainsby: Sonia

When my washing machine finishes its cycle I get my clothes full of detergent stains. I tried everything, like put less detergent or put less clothes to wash, but still the same problem. I even bought some expensive detergents but still the same. Can you help???????

looks like splatters of oil on certain clothesby: Anonymous

I've had the same problem. The spots have appeared twice in the past 6 months. They look like you dip a paint brush in oil and splatter it on the clothes. The stains are worse on synthetic fibers as opposed to all cotton. Soaking in oxyclean and water helps to remove it from some fabrics while doing nothing with others.

It was HE powder detergent that was causing my stains!by: Anonymous

Having an allergy to all liquid detergents (even those that are supposedly "free/soft"), we have always used 7th Generation detergent in our front loader. This is since they are the ONLY manufacturer of high efficiency POWDER detergent required by front loaders.

After years of experiencing quarter to silver dollar sized spots in our colored clothing we finally realized that it wasn't our water - rather the detergent itself.

Stopped using the detergent in favor of a Borax based home made, and have NO issues anymore.

Yellow stains on white clothes after launderingby: Steve

I have yellow stains on white clothes coming out of our laundry. They are in various spots so not the result of sweating. Could this be from liquid detergent or rust in the wash machine? If so, how do I get it out of the clothes, and out of the wash machine if that is the culprit? Thanks.

Bleach stain when not using bleachby: Shannon

We have a top load machine that you put the detergent and softener in prior to starting the cycle. Lately our colors have been coming out with bleach looking stains and I am not using bleach and our detergent and softener don't contain any bleach. Any ideas why?

Black underarm stainsby: Mis Vicki

I just purchased last year an LG front load washer and dryer. Ever since doing laundry in them I have the following problems:

1. My husband's white under t shirts and his work shirts have black stains under the arms.
2. And now my t shirts and other shirts are starting to get the same black stains
3. The elastic in his underwear are stretching totally out.

I use Tide pods. We both wear gel deodorant/antiperspirant. I sometimes use liquid Downy fabric softener. If not liquid I use Downy dryer sheets. I live in Florida with hard water. I use bleach on whites and Tide OXI stain remover as a pre wash on colors. Please HELP!

Phantom redish stains after wasingby: AlanG

I have had a consistent issue with my white t-shirts developing reddish blotches after washing. I have had this with 2 different front loading HE washers; the common here is Tide HE liquid from Costco.

Tiny silver specks suddenly appearing in our clothesby: Anonymous

About six months ago we suddenly noticed - only in the sunshine were they're visible - tiny, silver specks embedded in our clothes. We have no idea where these have come from - could it be from the washing machine, detergent or what?? They cannot be washed or brushed out and it is a real problem. Any ideas?

Rainwater copper corrosionby: Liz

I'm also getting blue/black stains only on dark pink, orange, red clothing. Have never used fabric softener, have changed washing powders and have bought a new machine. Still doing it! We are now wondering if it relates to rainwater (acidic pH and soft) and or copper corrosion in the pipes? Has anyone had similar?

Brown stains from front loaderby: Jody

I have had these same types of stains from my front loading machine as well. The owners manual recommends cleaning the machine frequently to prevent these. I found brown slimy growth behind the detergent dispenser even! Run a washer basket clean with bleach at least once a month. Take out the detergent dispenser drawer to clean and wipe out the space it goes in. Another thing I do is dry out the door gasket when done washing so water doesn't sit in there. I also keep the front door and detergent dispenser door cracked open so air can circulate to dry it out. Hope this helps!!!

Disgusted with Whirlpoolby: Cindy

I randomly get stains on my clothes. The appliance place told me to rinse my tub with at least a cup of bleach, now that I read this, I will not do that! I have the whirlpool duet, bought them in 2010. I have never been so disgusted with whirlpool. I will never get another front load ever again! There is a class action lawsuit against them, if you google it, you will see.

Clean my washerby: Janice T

Ladies I came across a cleaner for my washer and with my husband working construction his clothes are a large challenge, believe me. He also has a hobby of restoring old cars too. Messy !
Anyways: I use the cleaner( LemiShine) at least every two weeks to a month in my washer. I put the cleaner into the hot water of a full load (NO CLOTHES JUST WATER) Swish it for about a minute, stop washer and let sit with full tub for about 2 hours and then restart your washer and let it go through the full cycle. It shines and smells great once again. Lemishine is for dishwashers and I have used this in both machines for over 5 years.

Just never put clothes in when doing this as it will discolor them.

Problem with LGby: Anonymous

I get the same brown crap on my clothes. It's not rust or anything. It's not hard to get out for the most part. You need stain remover and rub it hard. It is harder on the white clothes. I get the same thing on my dark clothes but it is a lighter stain on the dark clothes. I now wash everything inside out just in case. This is a pain though. I clean everywhere I can get to and even clean the drain hose and filter. I tried today, after it happened yet again, to wipe inside the drum. I stuffed a paper towel as far as I could between the rubber and the drum. That stuff is coming from there. Not sure if it's because of my well water but this never happened with my previous smaller front loader. This one is an LG. I am going to contact the company!

Total frustrationby: Anonymous

I never had these problems until I bought a new washing machine! I absolutely hate it, the machine! I have also have clothes ruined with bleach spots. I do not like being able to put water in the machine first then the detergent and bleach in the water before clothes. I also prefer being able to put the fabric softener in after it fills with rinse water. However, I cant afford to by another new machine!

Kenmore causing issuesby: Anonymous

I use liquid clothes detergent, I don't use fabric softener but at times have staining on clothes that wasn't there prior to washing. My washer is kenmore, it's a low water washer. I think a common denominator is a new piece of clothing. I washed a new sweatshirt, grey, and it came out with pink splotches. Some time later I washed a dark blue new pair of jeans with like colors and they had lighter streaks down the legs. I was able to scratch some of the discoloration off with my nails. Some dark clothing will have the same appearance. I washed a new pair of khaki colored pants and got small dark discoloration on the front of these pants. I turn them all inside out when I wash, hoping to prevent this. Any thoughts on what's going on? I would appreciate some help!

Problem with Cabrea machineby: Anonymous

I have a one month old cabrea washing machine. Now finding grease stains that weren't there prior to washing. I don't use fabric softener. What is causing this?

Need helpby: Anonymous

I periodically get streaky dark gray stains on my clothes that usually rub off. I don't know if they're from the washer(5 year old front loader) or the dryer which is about 15 yrs old. I no longer use fabric softener but dryer sheets instead. Any thoughts on this?

Yellow spots on linensby: Anonymous

I get large yellow spots on my Battenberg linens after washing, or maybe they appear when I iron the tablecloths and napkins. What is going on? Takes days of soaking to remove.

Need solutionby: Gill Kilroy

Hi, I have had this happen twice only. A few brown blotches, not large, show up,on my sheets after washing. It doesn't,t happen every wash, nor on other items, just the sheets. I've tried the rust remover technique, vinegar and salt, no good. I tried Oxywash and sterilizing fluid and they also failed. Just don't know what's causing it. Surely if rust it would be on other items too. Any ideas please? Have had to hang out in the sun with some lemon juice for now, but that didn't work before. Any help appreciated.

Small black spotsby: Anonymous

I have been getting little black spots on my clothes after removing them from the washer. I don`t use fabric softener and the machine is 4 yrs old. The spots look almost like they are `printed`on the fabric, very small spots. Why?

Maybe sunscreenby: Donna Reed

Some sunscreens cause discoloration of whites when it comes into contact with the material. Bleach only makes it worse. Is she using any lotions that use a sunscreen? Maybe that is the culprit and a change in lotion is worth a try.

Similar problemby: Anonymous

Weekend guests have left and I just did bed linens for 5 different beds. Only after washing large blotchy brown spots appeared on 1 queen set, top & bottom sheets and both pillowcases, but no problem with any others. I washed all top sheets together, all fitted sheets together, and all pillowcases together, so this is the result of multiple loads, not due to something in the washing machine. Spots are most heavily on the pillowcases, but also some are on one end of the fitted sheet, and a couple small ones are on the top sheet near the top hemmed edge. Given this I'm quite sure it must have been caused by some type of face cream. Bleach has not worked. Any ideas?

Is it our water?by: SPG

We are experiencing exactly the same issues with HE washer & detergent. I like the idea of adding detergent w/ water first and will try. Wondering if this has improved your issues? The other cause we have been suspecting is our water, we moved into new home a few months ago and the washer came along with the house. Have also had our water tested, we've got fairly high levels of manganese and considering a water softener, but it is quite expensive. Wondering if you had experience with manganese and if a softener is only option?

New machine causing problemby: Carol

I have a new washer and dryer only a few months old. The first few weeks I had no problems at all but then i had the spots on the t-shirts. I can wet a wash cloth & go over them before i throw them in the dryer but that is a lot of extra work for me. I am not using bleach or fabric softener, only the dryer sheets. I started using the All Free and Clear Mighty Packs and didn't know if they could cause this? Also for my clothes i use cold water, hot for towels.

Silicone Oilby: Conni

I have the same type of wet looking stains on my clothing. I do not use fabric softener, so that is not the problem. The problem has only started since purchasing a new machine that requires HE detergents! The silicone oil in detergent is the only response that makes sense to me. What detergents can I purchase that do not have silicone oil?

Blue on cottonby: Annette

Yes I am also seeing blue stains on my cotton clothing and sheets. I have a high efficiency washer and use Tide he detergent. I have had no success in getting these stains out and am ready to contact Tide manufacturers about this. This is ruining a lot of expensive clothing. I have about had it with he washers also. This washer I have now is my second one in four years. The first one was a pain in the neck and was always causing me mechanical trouble. It was a Maytag. Then I got a LG and now the stain stain problem. The money I have lost using these machines could have paid for water for many years and bought me a new wardrobe.
I would love to know how to get these stains out. Can anyone offer a solution to this problem!!

Oil spotsby: Anonymous

This is a problem for me too. Only 1 t-shirt had stain blotches. I have a new washer and use he Gain detergent?

Known issue with Gainby: Taylor

To the reader who submitted the previous comment, there appears to be an issue with Gain detergent causing these types of stains. I suggest you look at my article on the issue. Here is the link.

clear stainsby: Rita

Business shirts are showing clear stains after wash. Can you help with the reason and how to get these stains out. This does not happen with every wash.

Blotches on Dark Clothesby: Anonymous

Hi, I am very frustrated from my top loader machine as my dark clothes like black pants, warm night suites, track suits and blankets come out with white blotches, It seems like grey or white waste of other clothes. Not getting the solution. I am using only cold load. Any solution please?

I have a front load washer. I didn't have it long when I would get spots on our clothing. I have well water so I thought maybe because I had moved from the city to a rural area I needed to ask some local ladies about my problem, so I did and this is what I was told. Wipe out around the front rim by door after every load with vinegar to remove any debris. (The rubber there had already started to turn black, yuck). I didn't know so I did this diligently and also to forget about using anything in the fabric softener dispenser. Instead put 1/2 a cup of vinegar in the same spot that turns black and it would soften the fabrics and keep the machine clean. I have been doing this for the last 6 years and have no more mystery spots.

mysterious yellow stainby: Jill

So twice I have taken my clothes out of the wash and there have been yellow stains on my clothes, almost like someone took a high lighter to it. But it's only one article of clothing in each load. One was the white that was on a sweatshirt and one was a tan dress. Both very different materials and done about 3 weeks apart. Nothing else has been stained in between or in the loads with these two. Please help.

Mystery brown stains on blue t-shirtsby: Anonymous

I have these weird brown blotches/stains on my blue t-shirts, they appeared only after I got them out of the washing machine. What could be the cause?

I believe my washing machine is about 2 years old. We live out in the country and have very hard, brackish well water. Our water line going into the washer was leaking so my husband put new washers/seals on the hot and cold lines but while he was back there he poured some CLR in the tubes to "clean" it out. I am wondering if that is where my problems started.

I ran a load a week ago and I had what looked to be a bumped up round dime size blood stain like from a tick. Like those bloody sacks the tick lives in? It was a very dry hard stain and it did have a bit of hair on it. I don't know if the tiny hairs were attracted to it or if it was in fact a tick that had come off of our dog. GRRRR (side note, the dog has different tick meds). It was so hard I couldn't soak it enough to get it to soften up to remove and by pulling it off it ripped a whole in my slacks. I then noticed I had some of that gunk inside another pair of slacks so I took them to my mom since she is the laundry pro. She said she thought it was something from my washing machine and not tick blood. It again was extremely hard but not in a perfect circle it was more in a dashed line and had the feel of almost plastic or glue it was so hard. My mom was able to get the stain out mostly. There is still a bit of it there but as this particular stain was on the inside of the clothes it isn't noticeable on the outside so I can live with it. A few days later my next load, clothes that had no stains come out with stains. My dressy shirt got the worst of it. It seriously looked like I have a blood stain on my shirt and it is about the size of a golf ball maybe bigger. But, it isn't really hard and plastic feeling and was more absorbed into the shirt where you can see it rather than see and feel it like the other hard stains. Now, yesterday I do more laundry and my whites come out with redish/brown almost rusty colored stains and more of the clothes were affected. I have quite a few that I have been finding that have just one or two hard to see speckles of rust color stains. However, I then had 2 items get stained terribly. One item I just threw away because it had so many stains all over it. The stains are little circles but occasionally you might see a dime size stain but for the most part they are all about the size of the holes on the washing machine.

This leads me to wonder if my husband did a no no by putting CLR in our water line that goes into the washing machine. The last clothes that have staines lead me to believe they are rust after reading some of your other posts. However, the first two have me puzzled since they had a plastic feel and were darker in color.

Any ideas on what might be wrong and how to fix it? Thank you!

white sweater with brown marks from washerby: Lisa Biery

What do I do with a white sweater with brown marks from washer?

Odd pinkish/bleach looking stains only on his clothes all of a suddenby: gymbrandie

I keep getting these random stains on my fiance's clothes. They are usually around the neck or waist areas. It kinda looks like they've been bleached but I've never used bleach in his washer. It's just his, mine are all fine. At first I just thought it was old dark t-shirts but his khakis are doing it too now along with brand new shirts that have only been worn once or twice.

Also, another problem that started a while ago is the elastic on his gym shorts is fine and then after it's washed/dried the elastic is shot. It makes that crackling noise and "breaks" so it's not stretchy anymore. Any ideas what is causing both of these problems?

Mysterious light grey stains from NEW washerby: Clair

I never had the problem until I bought our brand new LG washer. I use melaleuca HE detergent with no softener and Oxiclean as a spot treater. At first I thought it was a negative reaction between the soaps because they are all on the front of our lighter colored clothes. But then I noticed the spots on clothes that didn't have Oxiclean on them, but still, on the front. Like the stains are drawn to spots on clothes. Especially since they are mainly on our children's clothes and some on mine, but pretty much never on my husbands, since he stays clean while at work. I'm beyond frustrated! I've tried switching to melaleucas spot treatment and their Sol-U-Mel, I've tried spraying with vinegar, dawn soap mixed with vinegar, soaking in water. I don't even know what else to do. 😢

Brown dirt stains when I wash whites (typically linens)by: SB

For some reason, every time I do a load of whites with bleach I seem to find brown dirt stains on my clothes. It seems to happen more on my white linens, i.e. sheets, towels etc. I first noticed it with my old washer. When we bought the house the washer and dryer came with it so I didn't know exactly how old it was nor did I know the history of the maintenance on it. So we blamed the washer and bought a new one. I've only had it for 4 months and now it's doing it again! I do the monthly self clean and clean around the rubber linings etc. I know it's not rust or mildew. My other thoughts are: could it be the old pipes? But then why does it only happen to my whites and when I use hot water 90 degrees? Could it be that I have hard water? Could it be that we have a septic tank and it's full and somehow the dirty water washes back? I've looked online, other threads and no one seems to have an answer?? Please help!!

Grey machine stainby: Steph

I can't get a grey stain out of my clothes. Also I do not know where it came from. Is it the washing machine? How can I get rid of it?

How do I stop the brown spots from my washer? How do I get them out, what are they from?

Yellow stainsby: Elaine

I am getting yellow stains on my clothes after washing.

HE laundry stainsby: Anonymous

This is exactly what happens to me. Usually just one item, and stained permanently.

I put the detergent in with the water, let the water fill, then start adding my laundry. No matter. Still leaves an oily dark stain on items. Frustrating, as it has ruined quite a few items. One was a brand new sweater, the other a new skirt.

I use Tide HE and purposely use less than is called for. Wish someone could come up with a good cleaning solution!

Same here! We get purplish tie dye stainsby: Jarrett Wilson

We have a Whirlpool Duet and my wife gets the exact same type of stains. Literally, they're exactly how you describe. Did you ever find the cause? We would love to know.

Same problem with pinkish and reddish stainsby: SC

I think we have the same problem, how do you get the stains out?

I put one white sweater in a plastic pail of cold water with Tide powder detergent and it come out with random pink dots, as if marked with a pen tip. This same sweater I washed previously with the same pail and same detergent in cold water with no issue. Does anyone know why this happened?

I rewash second time without detergent, works for meby: Deb

Thank you! I agree I think it's from the He low suds detergent. I started washing the clothes a second time without laundry detergent and the marks come out. I don't like wasting water but it's the only solution for me.

HE Detergentsby: Fustrated

Just wanted to share. I have been having problems with my wash for over two years with oily looking stains on my cotton clothes. It happens in cold and hot water. I just bought a new washer and dryer trying to eliminate this and had my water tested. I am not sure of the color of the stains because on colored clothes it just looks oily. I also get yellow spots. I am not sure that this is related. I am using Tide products. I do not use any fabric softener. The repair people claim it's the HE detergent and manufacturer of the product claims there is no silicone oil in them and the products go through testing with all washers. They claim it is not the detergent. Not sure what to do next to figure it out.

White stains on black jeansby: Anonymous

I just recently purchased some black jeans. They're not a cheap pair by all means as I've never had a problem with this jean brand before, but after I washed them some white stains appeared forming frigid lines interspersed all over the legs of the jean and the butt area. It almost looks like dust but it's not and it won't come out. I only use cold water on my laundry and Tide pods as the detergent. I've never had this problem before and I don't know what to do! HELP PLEASE!

Also I did forget to turn them inside out and washed them with a mix load of whites and colors but I've never experienced discolour like this before.

Are my new jeans ruined and a waste of money? :(

please help with black stainby: Anonymous

I have the same thing happen to me and on my favourite dress and I can't seem to get it out. Please help.

Same problem! Black spots look like ink stains, but no inkby: Krystian

I have the same problem! It just happened on a pair of my daughter's pants a month ago and again today on a rug! And it never effects everything in the wash! What's going on!?

I use homemade laundry detergent, no fabric softener.

But there was a machine in college that did the same thing, too!

black stains on whites but no penby: Anonymous

This happened to me today! I had a load of laundry and only two white shirts out of the whole load have dark black ink spots all over them but there was no pen or ink washed with the load. I'm so confused! My washer is only a few months old and we clean it regularly with Affresh.

Cleaning products possible cause of bleach stainsby: Anonymous

My daughter did a "science experiment" using Comet powder and spilled some on the bathroom rug. When I washed the rug it had bleach stains and so did some of the other clothes. Perhaps it is another cleaning product you used to clean that got into the load?

Sweat/Mineral stainsby: Anonymous

My hubby's cricket whites have stains similar to this orange/brown patches, and bleach just makes it worse. The best way we have found to get rid of stains is Bosisto's Pre-Wash Stain Remover (Eucalyptus) and let clothes sit over night then wash as normal. Not sure what causes stains it possibly is sweat/sunscreen or sweat/heavy metals minerals???

Iron Outby: Anonymous

I tried all the others (oxy clean, grease lightening, vinegar and baking soda) but Iron Out did the trick!

Good luck to you!

Brown mystery stainsby: Anonymous

I had the same problem. It was caused by my husband who washed a huge load of garage towels (old towels he had used to wash the car, clean up after car maintenance, etc.) in the washing machine. The overly large load couldn't rinse completely and left grease and dirt behind. Of course, I happened to wash a brand new set of white bed sheets the next day.

Brown mystery streaksby: Anonymous

I too have found brown mystery streaks on clothes. I have a Samsung washer/dryer set which I dislike. I have tried to wipe behind the rubber gasket after every 2 or 3 loads and it still happens. I also try not to put the spin cycle on high because It seems I find more of it. For me these streaks come out using Oxy Clean gel. I am hoping this is just soap build up and will soon find a way to manage it until I get rid of the machine.

pink stainsby: Carol

Clothes coming out of the dryer with pink blotches on them. Use dry fabric softener. Only washed with white underwear and towels. Nothing red.

It is from gunk around seal!by: Janice

This looks exactly like the stains I have been getting on my white clothes. I did have a repairman come because my washer needed regular maintenance anyway. He said there was no oil leak - it is from the build up of gunk around the seal he believes.

I noticed there are two rings (inner and outer) where the gunk can collect. Even doing the machine auto wash feature didn't clean it and I ended up using a rag & q tips to get it all out.

Any hints on how to get the brown stains off of the clothes that are now damaged? Help please....

Tie dyed stainsby: Anonymous

My dark clothes have stains that look like it is being tie dyed. I use HE detergent but it doesn't seem to help.

caused by HE detergent!by: Anonymous

The spots on t shirts and other cotton containing fabrics comes from dimethyl polysiloxane in the HE washing detergent. If you do not have an HE machine do not use HE detergent, it will spot your clothes, since it contains oil.

The HE detergent will spot cotton clothing unless it is COMPLETELY dissolved before adding clothing.

Use Dawn to get spots out.

Rust stains on dark towels & face clothsby: Shelley

The rust stains appear after the washing machine. We don't use a fabric softener. The rust stains aren't on other clothing items. Just face cloths and towels. I'm guessing makeup? So do we need to separate face cloths and towels for everything?

I am getting oil stains from my washing machine. I don't use fabric softener on my clothes during only time while washing but I am still getting stains what could have caused it and what can I do to prevent this it's ruining my shirts?

Bleach-like stains but don't use bleachby: Anonymous

Many of my clothes are coming out of the washer with what appears to be bleach stains. I don't use bleach or fabric softeners. What possibly could be causing these stains? My washer is about 12 years old and this problem doesn't happen every time. I always make sure I mix the liquid detergent well before I put clothes in to wash. This is very upsetting because I don't know when it's going to happen and how to fix the problem. HELP!!

stains on sheetsby: Anonymous

I have bought new sheets 3 times and have had light yellow or whitish stains, no detergent or softener used. I have the Oreck purewash.

Stain on clothby: Bill

I read your comment. I do not put softener in, just liquid soap, and have cut back to almost nothing. What is going on?

I have hard water stain from washerby: Anonymous

I have hard water stains from washer. HELP!

big blueish stainsby: Joyce

My stains are big in size, and look almost a blueish color. Once on towels, clothes, jeans, whatever the item is, there is nothing to get it out.

White stain on black clothingby: Anonymous

My black clothes come out of the washing machine with white stains that were not there before washing the clothes. I don't use fabric softener in the machine or bleach. I've used white vinegar and baking soda unsuccessfully. I've also used CLR and it hasn't helped. Do you have any suggestions?

Stains Post Washing Machine Useby: Anonymous

I firmly believe it's the combination of using HE detergent and the lack of water our "new" eco-friendly washers allow us to use. Once the stains are there your whites and many delicates are "toast". Even adding a second rinse doesn't seem to help. Just wet your hands and put some HE on them and try to rinse the "soap" if that's what that chemical combo is, off your hands. Good luck. It feels slimy.

Looks like baby oil spotsby: Anonymous

We been having this problem for over a year after washing and drying, outfits are stained bad. Mostly whites I would say but it's on everything. Big spot ls, sometime they are hard to see
But when I iron you can see the different colors. I say they look like baby oil spots.

water stainsby: Jojo

Really could do with some help please, it's bringing me to tears. There are stain marks on all my son's white shirts. Look like water stains. I have stopped using fabric condioner. Tried vanish whitening powder, still there. Don't know what else to do I have deep cleaned washing machine. Could it be the washing powder? I tried loads different one thanks Jo x

red/pink stains on laundryby: Anonymous

I have recently noticed that some of my whites have irregular pink stains. Today I saw odd small red clumps as I was transferring linen from the washing machine to the dryer. When I pressed the clump it would kind of smear and dissolve into these pink stains.

I have been using the same detergent (Bio-Classic) on my 100% cotton sheets for a while with out problems. Last week I started noticing streaked stains on the linen and this week after washing my brand new cotton towels, most of them had a fair amount of pink to them.

Everything is white only and 100% cotton. So I know it is not a coloured cloths fault.

I also washed with OMO Auto today in case it was my powder and that is when I noticed the red clumps.

I assume it is some kind of chemical reaction but what?

Not stains but whitish soap residueby: Molly K. Barry

I bought a Maytag washer 3 years ago and have been
unhappy ever since. This particularly shows up on black clothing and is very frustrating. I now use only liquid detergent (and occasionally Borax also but usually only on dark towels) and no dryer for these clothing items. I usually wash the load on the highest fill, even though the load may not call for it, and I always use an extra rinse!

Still, some black clothing items come out with what looks like faint washing residue. Does anyone have any other ideas?

I'm sick of dark spotsby: Carol

After I wash my dark t shirts (mostly black) they come out with black spots only on the front of them. I think that maybe it's the laundry detergent because sometimes if I spray Shout on the spots and run them through the rinse cycle they come out, but I hate to have to do that. How can I wash them to begin with so they won't get the spots? It's only on tshirts.

small brown streaks on clothesby: Anonymous

I find small brown streaks on clothes occasionally--streaks about 2" long and very thin. They come out with light soap and another washing. I have wiped all around the agitator; they still come. They don't seem to be rust. Machine is old but works fine otherwise.

Brown stainsby: Anonymous

Be sure to clean the rubber gasket after washing several loads. There is sometimes gunk that gets trapped there.

Another possibility for rust stains on clothesby: Anonymous

I started getting rust stains on light clothes and sheets about a year ago. I called a repair person who gave the machine a thorough cleaning and said it might have internal parts rusting. I was inclined to purchase a new washer because rust stains continued, now having damaged items at least the cost of a new washer with rust stains.

But wait! Enter husband who does his own laundry including his pastel wash and dry Brooks Bros shirts. He said he has never had a rust stain on anything. Of course we use the same equipment.

Here is my present idea that I will test (somehow). I use a LOT of OxyClean with light wash, perhaps four times what is recommended. He uses only the recommended amount or less. Rust and OxyClean are in the same "chemistry family."
I will use some older items for test and report results.

Mystery brown stainsby: Barbara

I've had the same stains that you pictured. First was a set of sheets, then yesterday a brand new dress, cotton knit, came out of the wash with those same ugly stains. I was so unhappy, hadn't even worn it yet. But I immediately soaked the dress in cool water and added in Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap-Pure Castille in lavender. After an hour I added more & lightly scrubbed the marks and they disappeared! Was happy lady again. Previously, I had tried Oxyclean on the sheets but it took a lot longer to clean off. I don't know what causes the stains, but I believe both times I had added liquid fabric softener. I will not use it again!

stains on washing from the machine.by: Ian

These stains are from dirt built up in the door seal squeezed out into the wash when the drum has a full load. The door seal needs wiping out with, say, a microfibre cloth before the big wash, or you could put on smaller white washes that do not thrust large duvet covers against the seal. The seals need cleaning in two places, the trough formed in the middle of the seal. Put a piece of kitchen towel in and move it right round the seal, you will find dirt. Also clean the seal all the way round just beside the the drum where there is another valley.

We struggled with this, we wash quite dirty items from time to time...e.g. dog towels and it keeps recurring. I don't remember to wipe out the machine every time so pop the affected item back in a one hour quick wash which does the trick.

mystery???by: Anonymous

I have the exact same problem. Just started recently but is only on my white shirts or light colored shirts. Typically around the collar or on sleeves. I can get these stains out if I use a stain remover and rewash quickly but getting irritating. Kids and husband's clothes come out fine. I do use well water but we have water softener. Washer is Maytag and only a couple years old.

Same problem - light spots on dark teesby: Tired

I was having the same problem. I went through 2 beautiful HE washers only to find an old clunker that put enough water through! So my new washer went to the shed and I took this old clunker and so far so good....until tonight. My machine was set on cold. I pulled two shirts out of the washer and clear marks. I even let my son take my new HE and they are having no issues! Now, I've done laundry my whole life with no issues until our new remodel. If it's not the washers then could something be coming through the line? The plumber was a joke! So I don't trust anything he did...yet my dad says there's no way anything can be coming through! I'm at a loss. How do You wash a tshirt a zillion times and this happen? I've cleaned the machine out with afresh. I'm starting to wonder if it's the soap. Powdered tide is pricey but doesn't seem like I was having near the issues. Since tide was so pricey I opted for a cheaper brand of powder "surf". We even drained the hot water heater to see if there was gunk in it and found nothing!!! I don't get it but it's exhausting. Geesh. I'm glad I'm not alone in this crazy mess! Lol

Brown marks on washing out of machine.by: Jo

Well I was amazed to see the pictures posted of brown stains on washing. I have been experiencing the same problem on and off for a few weeks. It does not seem to happen with every wash. I have just removed a duvet cover and pillow cases from my machine and it is the worst ever. Some of the brown marks are actually loose and can be slid off. There has been nothing in previous washes that could account for this. I am wondering if there could be a rodent getting into the machine and leaving droppings. I am bemused!!

Oily spotsby: Anonymous

The stains I'm getting on my clothes are little brown oily spots all over my clothes.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh....by: Kelly

Yes!!!!!! This would explain my mysterious spots that have occurred on two different washing machines. We rent, and our kind landlord replaced our washer and we were STILL getting spots. I am going to try replacing my HE detergent with some of the old fashioned stuff.

stains on white clothes after washing in washerby: Anonymous

Can you tell us how to get these stains out of the clothes? Usually chlorine bleach helps, but this time it did not get the stains out. I do not use fabric softener so i am guessing it is the rust in the washer as you suggested. I have an LG front loader. It is so frustrating to get these spots on my favorite white t-shirts. And they are not cheap. Will powder whiteners be different/better than chorine bleach? Otherwise I am selling my washer and buying another. In addition to this nightmare, cleaning the LG front loader is a joke, time consuming, and difficult. What a crappy design.

My black pants have orange stainsby: Anonymous

My black pants were washed by their self and when they came out the had big orangish / red stains on them and they're in the same spot the stains were before I washed them. Does anyone know why this happend? Is it my washer, the detergent is oxi clean and arm and hammer ????? Plz help.

Orange stainsby: Anonymous

I'm getting orange stains on my clothes from the washer, looks like a bleach stain but I haven't put bleach in the wash. Any clues?

HE Detergent Causing Stains.by: Anonymous

Thanks for the information you posted. This has been frustrating me for months. All this time I thought it was the washing machine and never thought it was the detergent.

I guess we are switching out the HE detergent for regular detergent. Hopefully this will solve the issue of the stains we keep seeing on some of our favorite cotton shirts.

Thanks again!

Stains in my clothesby: Luis

My washer is staining all my clothes. The stains vary depending on clothing. If white the stain is like a splatter of gray liquid. If clothing is color or khaki the stain is same color but lighter. What can that be?

Stains on clothing after being washed.by: Anonymous

I have been experiencing stains on my white and light colored clothing after being washed. The stains are greyish in color.

Grey blotchesby: Anonymous

The stains I'm talking about are different in size. They're blotches, it may be the fabric softener but I think something else may be going on. I'd appreciate any tips. Thanks.

can't figure it outby: Bobby

All of wife's stains appear on the tips of collars. Brown in color, can't figure it out.

Yes, reading previous comments. Have seen many items, not every wash, get stains. Finally one of my wife's favorite blouses is stained. Big brownish stain. Used lemon juice and then vinegar and that lightened it a bit, but only a bit. Took removable parts off and could see nothing. Time for a new washer, as it is 8 or 9 years old front end. Great machine but repairmen cost a fortune. May as well get a new one when there is a sale. Boxing Day???? New Year???

Beige stains on neck lines...by: Anonymous

I have had stains appear on clothing like this. I have determined they come from some brands of sunscreen. They show up hours after the garment is worn or after washing, I have not found a way to remove them yet.

response re beige stains on neck linesby: Taylor

You mentioned you feel these are sunscreen stains. You should check out my article on how to remove sunscreen stains, at the link, which explains why this orangish brown spots occur, and how to remove them.

Bluish stains only on daughter's clothingby: Anonymous

Most of my daughter's shirts have come out of my washer with the bluish spots. Even after just wearing the shirt once. I have an HE front loader. I'm at a loss that only her clothing is affected. I do not use fabric softener, so I know that's not it. I've tried several brands of detergent, but haven't noticed any difference.

How can I remove those stains?

Neon Yellow Stainsby: Sarah

My front loading LG washing machine is leaving neon yellow stains on white and light colored clothing that will not come out no matter what we do. I'm terrified to do laundry. Any ideas what this could be?

We do have a baby who drinks formula but we've switched formula and detergents and the issue persists.

I'd be happy to provide photos of the stains... they're not spots. Almost like the items at the bottom of the drum sat on something that stained them so there are no stains in the parts that were wrinkled if that makes sense.

how I removed the yellow stainsby: Sarah

I bought a new ge washer and dryer 2mo ago and when I wash and dry some of the items have yellow stains on them. grey sweats white towels even darker towels. could this be a problem with the washer or dryer? I had yellow stains on a dish rag and took it to the sink washed it with a little bleach and it came right out. I use liquid tide and downy liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets.

Small dots on shirts coming from washing machine by: Noha

I always get small dots scattered all over the clothes coming from washing machine which is specially obvious in my husband's plain formal shirts.

Don't know how to upload a photo to my comment, but anyway, this matter is so problematic and I would highly appreciate if you could give me any tips to how to solve it!

Yellow stainsby: Jenna

I too have this problem. Only on white clothes. Especially the kids clothes. Just about every wash there is yellow patches mostly around seams and neckline. We have even changed our washing machine and it still happens. Even without fabric softener. Could it be the detergent?

Rust spotsby: Thelma

Rust looking spots on pillow cases and fitted sheet, duvet cover. Beko washing machine only 3 weeks old, use Calgon in drawer, Persil liquid in drum and Comfort in drawer. Only use white bedding, now got to dispose of these, first time this has happened.

In the water?by: Jeff

I haven't checked out all possibilities but we live in a new housing development. I will test this theory by filling up our white bathtub and checking the residue once the water settles. If I see rust or other signs of settlement I will ask neighbors if they have witnessed the same.

Just a thought, is your neighborhood getting new houses constructed?

Boraxby: Anonymous

Borax! This stuff is amazing! I had a brand new set of 400 thread count sheets in white of course. Took them out of the washer and they had sticky gunky stringy stains all over them. I filled the sink with hot water and a cup of borax. I let the sheets soak and scrubbed at the worst spots and boom, stains are gone! I clean the rubber gasket around my washer drum regularly but this issue likes to rear its ugly head whenever I have something new in the washer. Does the same thing with a load of brand new pajamas. Grrr.

Brown spots from steam ironby: Phyllis

My steam iron expelled a gust of steamy liquid and left a coffee colored stain on a new blouse. I did not let it dry and soaked it in vinegar water. The discoloration remained. So I treated it with hydrogen peroxide. Same result. Any ideas for that kind of problem?

Material discoloredby: Jacinta

I washed a wine colored viscose and polyester dress at my normal cycle with only black items and it came out will light patches all over it like it had been bleached. I had the same in a different style and I've just washed it and the same has happened. I have no idea why!

Blue Stains on Orange, Red, Pink Clothesby: Lynette

I simply cannot wash any of these colors at my house. Mysterious blue stains appear even if I wash items by themselves. Can't tell you how many things have been ruined. Have tried different detergents, stain removers, even new washer. Has to be something in my water but what? I have to haul all of these clothes to my mother-in-law's to wash and they all come out just fine there. So frustrating. I have even not bought stuff in those colors just because I of this issue. If anyone can offer advice it would be much appreciated!

Red stainsby: Pris

I have had the same problem with reddish stains all over pillowcases. They are white and cream. All different fabrics and thread counts! It is getting worse and I cannot identify what is causing them! Wish I knew how to prevent it. This is at our summer home and we have a well but also have a water softener!

Subscribe To The Out Darn Spot Newsletter

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.